The Leviathan Trial

by Oliver Madison

  He always had a thought—a dirty thought in his mind—that if the two of them were not brother and sister by law, he would have appreciated her on an even deeper level. Eden was the Lancaster Levi was most infatuated with. Everyone always joked about how Levi could do no wrong, and that he never sinned in his life, and that he only had everyone else’s best interests in mind. Well, Levi had all those exact same opinions towards Eden. She too was inhumanly selfless. She was the only other Lancaster like this. Every now and then, their siblings even made suggestions for the two to spend more time together on charity projects and public relation opportunities for the family’s image.

  There was a specific instance last year that Eden decided against going to the highly anticipated Elysium Academy Ball on the day of the dance. She refused to go with the boy that originally asked her out. She discovered that the young man had lied about a nonprofit organization he swore to be a part of. He claimed that every weekend he volunteered at the recreation center at his church, tutoring low income children and acting as a role model for them. Eden was in awe of him—head over heels in love. When she found out that the whole story was nothing but a fabrication to impress her, she deleted his contact information and cried alone in her room the whole day. The best way to lose Eden’s trust forever was to lie, especially about her one passion.

  Charity.

  No matter who knocked on her door, Eden refused to answer. Normally, she was a ray of sunshine, but that day, she was at her darkest. She sat crouched on her bed, soaking her pillow with tears. It was not until Pearl came to visit that Eden cracked her door partway open. It was a delicate situation. Pearl had to be tactful in her approach. “You’re simply gorgeous,” she started, taking in her little sister’s elegant frilly emerald dress and dolled up face. Even though Eden’s makeup needed sprucing up after her sobbing, she still had her angelic charm about her. Pearl lifted her little sister’s chin with a finger and delivered her motherly smile, reminding her of how much she was looking forward to the dance for over a month. She reminded her how she could still have fun with her friends and how she should celebrate life, regardless of any disappointing boys. When Eden was still on the fence, Pearl brought out her secret weapon. “What about Levi?” she asked. Eden’s eyes widened as her cheeks flushed coral.

  Pearl talked Levi up without any sort of approval on his end, pointing out how strong of a power couple they were—strictly in a platonic way. Pearl referenced the few times they represented the family during interviews and charity events. Crowds adored them. Fans of the family responded to them far better than Blake during his boastful rants at national chess conferences and Allister with his crude behavior at fencing competitions. Eden was becoming the face of the family, and Levi the voice. The chemistry between the two was there. Pearl presented her and proposed to Levi that he be her emergency date just an hour before the dance. He was absolutely on the spot. Levi was just as nervous as she was, but he could never say ‘no’ to Eden, especially during her time in need. Pearl arranged for Bartleby to take them over to their school by limo.

  It was the perfect night. It felt like a dream or fairytale. It was a date, and yet it was not.

  They enjoyed the company of Eden’s countless friends, the iced raspberry punch and cookies, and live classical music. Originally, Levi was afraid to dance. He felt unworthy of being able to lay a finger on the darling angel of the Lancaster family, his “sister”. Of course, he had taken several private ballroom lessons before, but he never had an actual date. In the end, the dancing was not uncomfortable for either of them. Quite the opposite. They felt connected. It felt right. They swayed in flawless motion, gliding across the floor. It felt as though they were ice skaters, effortlessly drifting to the music in each other’s arms, aligned with each other’s wavelength in harmony. It was the happiest moment Levi ever had with any of his siblings. He did not dare taint it by taking it any further than dancing. Though he was tempted from raging teenage hormones, he never humored the idea of kissing her.

  Even if they shared no blood or resemblance whatsoever.

  Since their freshman year, they had not spent time alone with just each other. Subconsciously, they did not want to develop feelings for one another. It would not have been appropriate for the dynamic of their family. Levi could imagine the headlines in the media, if anything were ever to come of them.

  Eden smiled to Levi, with her golden aura outlining her hair of the same color. Each of them, swapped stories of the good ole days before the trial as they set out trays of communion wafers and glasses of wine. Levi did not have an appetite, so he held off for now. Soon, he would have to shatter the group’s moment of peace and devise a strategy for their escape. Somehow, he felt that talking about it would make the madness real again. The trial, and all the evil that accompanied it, would resume the moment he would bring it up through his words.

  “You haven’t touched your wine,” offered Eden, pushing the crystal chalice closer to him. “I’m sure you’re dehydrated.”

  Aside from Troy, they all had untouched wine that she poured and served ten minutes ago. When Levi, thought about it, Eden’s statement seemed to contradict itself. Sure, the wine would satiate them all for now. Perhaps even quench their immediate thirst. However, over time it would dehydrate them further. Alcohol is a diuretic. Short-term satisfaction would end up as a disadvantage in the long-term.

  Troy stuffed his face with communion wafers, despite his key literally having led him to a lifetime supply of canned food. He was not hungry. He was just eating out of anxiety for their situation, munching away to take his mind off the trial. He needed to slow down. Levi thought he would choke if he kept at it. During his chewing, Troy was melting with sweat. It was warm in the room, but surely, he was overreacting. Then Levi remembered, Troy was the biggest of the Lancasters, wrapped in an extra layer of fat. His body temperature usually ran hotter than most. It was his only weakness, the elephant in the room that Father Benedict constantly brought up during his one on one evaluations. Troy’s test scores were stellar, but his fitness left much to be desired. Suddenly, his head slammed against the floor with a thud, and he was out cold.

  “Can’t hold your liquor?” joked Levi. He laughed and tried to pull his brother so he could sit up straight. Under normal circumstances, the children would never be drinking like this. But Levi fantasized of what the future would hold. Years later, when they could put this nightmare behind them, there would come a time when he and his favorite brother could attend college parties and paint the town red. Then they could drink for pleasure instead of survival.

  Unfortunately, that future would never come to pass. Troy was dead weight. When he stopped breathing, Levi started to panic. “Wake up!” he shouted, tugging at him. “Troy, get up!” He went limp and his face started to turn blue and his eyes dark. “Wake up!” Levi shouted again. He slapped his brother, praying for some sort of response.

  There was none.

  Mauve and Eden cowered at the sight of their brother’s suffering, but ultimately, they were of no use. Then, Levi noticed a small perfumed-sized bottle behind them. It was in the corner of the chapel that reflected the light of a nearby flickering candle. The shape was odd. Whatever was in the bottle, it was not wine. “What is this,” he asked? He examined it and his jaw dropped. He knelt before Troy’ and tried giving him chest compressions. Honey-colored foam began seeping from his mouth. Levi did everything in his power to jumpstart his brother’s lungs. He wanted to place his lips on Troy’s and perform rescue breaths. He stopped less than an inch away as he smelled the tainted aroma.

  Poison.

  He could not believe it.

  It was poison.

  It was too late to save him. Levi would only be hurting himself at this point. The girls were in shock. Ever since Zara, they were free from being exposed to murder, death, and despair. “What happened to him?” asked Mauve. Levi stared at his brother’s body with watery eyes. However, not a single drop fell. He had stopped
shedding tears. He was learning to tame his heart to harden during these situations that were becoming far too normal recently. He took the green cloth where the Eucharist was set and placed it over Troy’s unblinking face. He kissed his pointer and middle finger, placing them gently on his brother’s forehead.

  Troy was gone.

  His brother was dead.

  Moments later, his eulogy boomed through the speaker down the hall.

  ‘My crafty cook is as sweet as the cakes he bakes.

  Savory as the steaks he makes.

  But man cannot live on bread alone.

  He had no sins for which to atone.

  Unless you consider gluttony or sloth.

  Drawn to the flame just like a moth.

  Works with others like threads of cloth.

  But too many cooks will spoil the broth.’

  The three did not have to speak. It was clear what was transpiring through each of their minds. Out of respect, they prayed silently for their brother’s lost life. When the moment of mourning had passed, Levi opened his eyes and asked an uncomfortable question.

  However, it was a necessary one.

  “Who did it?” asked Levi. “Which of you killed him?”

  CHAPTER 14

  SIMON SAYS

  Mauve and Eden were insulted by the accusation of murder. They made that clear with their vilified sharp eyes and gaping jaws. How dare Levi ask them something so horrible? How dare he assume the worst from them? Levi made it clear that he was only asking the one who actually killed Troy to come clean. “How do we know that you aren’t the one who poured this in his drink?” asked Mauve. She pointed at Levi as she shook the vial of hazardous chemicals in his face. From it, came the toxins that deteriorated Troy’s enzymes and ate away at him. Mauve admitted the poison did in fact originate from her. It was located in one of the laundry rooms that she unlocked with her Leviathan key. It was discovered in the room where she often cried alone, and on rare occasions, cut herself out of depression. She brought the vial of poison with her ever since she found it, but swore up and down that she never intended to use it. In her mind, it had to be one of the others that used it when she was not looking. Eden protested as well of course, claiming that just the thought of harming someone else made her sick to her stomach, let alone her own family.

  There was a circle between the three siblings. They were getting nowhere. However, Levi knew that he was innocent. He had yet to dirty his hands by proactively participating in the Leviathan Trial. Clearly, Eden or Mauve was the culprit. Perhaps even both of them. It was hard to wrap his head around it.

  One was lying.

  One was telling the truth.

  Levi did not know who to trust. Mauve was always the black sheep of the family. She kept to herself and was constantly heard badmouthing each of her siblings under her breath. However, she deserved just as much of a chance to clear her name as her sister. Eden did have more credibility though. She was known as the most ‘selfless’ Lancaster. Even if Levi was the best public speaker, Eden was the face of the family, taking over Pearl’s previous role. Just one look at her and you would see nothing but unyielding care for her fellow man. Whether she was a member of a billionaire family or not, she gladly spent each of her Thanksgivings and Christmases at the homeless shelter. She refused to leave until she was certain that every poor soul was fed.

  However, Levi was logical. And the logical thing to do would be not to trust either of them. Not yet, anyway. He had to think fast. It was only a matter of time before the murderer in the room would strike again. Levi kept his calm and provided a proposition.

  They each still had their cups…

  “I can find out which of us means to harm the others,” claimed Levi. “As long as we all do what I say, exactly when I say, I promise, none of us will be hurt.” The air seemed to be heating up in the chapel. It was not a big room. Much of their body heat began merging, creating a makeshift sauna. The AC had stopped running some time ago. Steam from their sweat fogged the stain glass window. Eden was flushed as she wiped the back of her hand across her wet forehead. Fanning herself did nothing. Levi shifted his eyes between his two sisters. He searched for any subtle tells in their expressions or hesitation in their movements—anything to prevent what they would have to do next. When they gave him no indication to go off, they followed through with his plan. They sat on their knees in a circle.

  “One of us is a liar,” stated Levi. Eden and Mauve stared blankly. “Do we all agree.” They nodded, acknowledging the unpleasant certainty. “Everyone, take your cup of wine that no one else has touched.” They did as he instructed, waiting for his next command. It was like a meticulous game of ‘Simon Says’. He could not get a solid read on either of them. Mauve’s hand trembled. Eden’s lips quivered. “Everybody cheers,” he said, gesturing to clink their cups with his. They did so. Just before anyone could take a sip, Levi stopped. “Okay, wait,” he interjected. “Everyone pass your cup to the person clockwise!”

  “What?!” asked Eden.

  “That’s so sudden!” blurted Mauve.

  “Trust me,” Levi pressed.

  They all did as he suggested, placing the cups in front of whoever sat clockwise of them. Eden took Levi’s. Mauve took Eden’s. And Levi took Mauve’s.

  He had to act fast. There was no time for any of them to second guess his instructions. They had to act on instinct. “At the same time, everyone drink,” he ordered. “If you refuse, including myself, we’ll know who the murderer is. One.” He raised his chalice. His sisters hesitated to do the same.

  “Two.”

  He lowered his and they followed his lead.

  “Three!”

  He put the rim of the cup to his lips. He was interrupted when the most coincidental accident occurred.

  Eden clumsily spilled her drink…

  CHAPTER 15

  TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE

  The puddle of red wine expanded like a pool of blood. Eden did not bother getting up. It started to reach her knees and began soaking into her dress.

  “Care to explain?” questioned Levi.

  “I…” Eden could not formulate her thoughts. “I’m clumsy,” she cried. “I’ll pour myself another. Her eyes widened and tears rained from them. “I’ll pour everyone another cup,” she offered. “It—It doesn’t matter which of us tried to poison the others. Let’s forget about it! I forgive you! I don’t care which of you it was because we’re family!” She collected everyone’s cup, ignoring their piercing glares. She began pouring the wine down the sink. Levi grabbed her wrist when she was about to empty Mauve’s. He stared his sister in the eyes and grabbed the cup from her. No one spoke as Levi gulped it down. His Adam’s apple twitched, and he wiped a small drop off from his chin. He caught his breath after the bit of sustenance.

  “There was no poison in Mauve’s drink,” confirmed Levi, setting the chalice on the counter. “That was originally your cup,” he stated, waiting for Eden to respond. There was no denying it. The game was over. With that, the most ‘selfless’ of the Lancasters had been found out. Mauve was stupefied. Even she suspected Levi to be the culprit, over her goody-two-shoe of a sister.

  Unsettling silence befell all those in the room. Black tears from mascara trailed down Eden’s perfect cheeks. “Yes, it was me,” she admitted, holding herself back from stammering. As painful as it was to say aloud, it was liberating. It felt like the weight of the world had been lifted from her. She nodded and bit down into her lip. She reached for the nearest crystal chalice and smashed it into the floor. “Can you blame me for trying to live?!”

  Levi shook his head in disappointment. “You were the most selfless one in our family!” he screamed. “President of the community service club.” It made him angrier the more he thought about it. He paced the room, crushing the glass shards beneath his shoes. “For God’s sake, you made your own ‘feed the homeless’ foundation! You raised millions for needy children around the world! How could you do this—let alone to yo
ur own family?! You were the example. You were the best of us—you were what we strived to become!” Levi’s voice was shaken.

  “That’s just it.” Eden was choked up, crying as she laughed. Her pitch bounced around as she could no longer control her conflicted emotions. “I’ve done the most. I deserve to live so I can go on and keep helping the world. Not you,” she pointed to Levi. “Not you,” she pointed to Mauve. “No one else will do it. Only me.”

  It left a bitter taste in Levi’s mouth, more so than the wine ever could. It was depressing enough to see Eden sell out her family. It was another thing entirely to see her sell out her charitable principles in the fear of death. She was the best of them. The Leviathan Trial took its toll on everyone in the family. But Eden fell the furthest. The trial had a way of dragging everyone down into the gutter. It turned angels to demons. Up became down. Hot became cold. Their lives were at stake, of course. But their values:

  Love.

  Affection.

  Selflessness.

  Everything they held dear became meaningless.

  It all went out the window.

  “I’ve never been so disappointed,” breathed Levi, with a sigh. “I could never agree with Allister’s anger, but I understood it. It broke me to see Pearl bargain with our lives like a madwoman, but I understood it.” Tears now came from Levi as he approached his sister. “But you,” he said unforgivingly. “I expected better from you.”

  The guilt became too much to swallow. It ate away at Eden’s heart like a tumor of the soul. Time would only have it fester further. There was no coming back from this.

  “You’ll be rid of me,” agreed Eden. She took off her Leviathan pendent and used the tip to smash open the stained-glass window repeatedly, before throwing it to the ground. She sliced her wrists on the teethlike shards of azure and cerulean. Somehow, she was able to remove most of the glass as she backhanded the remaining icicle-shaped fragments out of the way. She smiled innocently. Her eyes trailed streams of black and her arms streams of red. She ducked and miraculously climbed through the window and walked onto the ledge. She was on the roof! She was outside of Lancaster Manor—out in the open, cool, rainy air!